Coming Down on Drunk Drivers

"We are all gonna be out this weekend to try to reduce crashes, reduce speed and save some lives hopefully," said Sgt. Jeff Stiefermann of the Jefferson City Police.

Together with other enforcement agencies, Stiefermann's goal is to pull over drunk drivers on Highway 54. Stiefermann says that on a weekend night, one in every four drivers is under the influence.

"It is a problem. Two hundred and seventy-three loved ones are gone because of drinking and driving." said Stiefermann. "And we want to curtail that."

According to officers, drunk drivers don't fit a specific profile, but their excuses are often similar.

"They will tell us they have only had a couple," said Officer Patrick Duncan. "You know, 'I've only had two beers. I'm not intoxicated.' Stuff like that. With the test that we do, filter body testing, we can determine whether they have been under influence of alcohol or drugs."

Jefferson City police officers won't be the only ones looking out for drunk drivers. Sheriff's deputies in Audrain, Callaway, Cole, Miller and Camden are also hoping to get drunk drivers off the road. The Highway Patrol is keeping an eye throughout Missouri.